Delhi, December 20: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to board the International Space Station (ISS) here and discussed ways to integrate space education & research in school and higher education thereby creating and nurturing future-ready space professionals.

Describing him as “an icon for the youth,” Union Minister Pradhan said Shukla’s courage, spirit and pioneering journey has inspired a billion dreams.

In a post on social media platform X, the Union Minister said that they discussed ways in which space education and research in school and higher education can be integrated.

“An inspiring afternoon! Had the pleasure of meeting Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to go to International Space Station and a key ‘Gaganyatri’. An icon for the youth, his courage, spirit and pioneering journey has inspired a billion dreams,” Pradhan posted on X.

“It was thrilling to learn more about his space odyssey firsthand. We also discussed ways in which we can integrate space education and research in school and higher education. Bold space reforms ushered in by Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji has paved the way for India to emerge as an elite and leading spacefaring nation. Therefore, creating and nurturing future-ready space professionals in alignment with NEP 2020 is a priority,” Pradhan wrote.